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Animal Welfare and Los Angeles Animal Services Liaison Report to Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils, February 9, 2017, by Jeffrey Mausner (Tarzana), Jeff@MausnerLaw.com. This has been a really good month for the dogs and cats of Los Angeles:

1. On January 26, 2017, the South Valley Area Planning Commission (SVAPC) unanimously voted to grant the variances necessary for Rockin’ Rescue to continue to operate in its current location at 19855 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, California. Over 5,500 people signed petitions in support of Rockin’ Rescue. Many of them left very insightful and persuasive comments, which were submitted to the SVAPC. At the SVAPC hearing, approximately 100 Rockin’ Rescue supporters attended to show their support. About 40 of them addressed the SVAPC, providing moving stories of how Rockin’ Rescue helps dogs, cats, and people. There were Volunteers and Employees from the City’s West Valley Animal Shelter, Employees and Volunteers from Rockin’ Rescue, people who adopted their dog or cat from Rockin’ Rescue, Rockin’ Rescue’s neighbors, and good citizens who simply wanted to have such a great rescue in their neighborhood. The manager of the OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) across the street even volunteered his parking lot if the lot at Rockin’ Rescue is ever full. Businesses next door and across the street from Rockin’ Rescue submitted letters of support: Upholstery Zone, Excitement, Oak & Poppy, Bank of the West, and Wells Fargo.

Thank you to Len Shaffer, Jill Banks Barad, Ron Ziff, and other Neighborhood Council and VANC people for their support. See pages 1-7 of the attached, which are print-outs from the following webpages, for further details: https://www.change.org/p/save-the-lives-of-dogs-and-cats-in-los-angeles-don-t-shut-down-rockin-rescue/u/19200134 https://www.change.org/p/save-the-lives-of-dogs-and-cats-in-los-angeles-don-t-shut-down-rockin-rescue?source_location=minibar As you can see from this webpage, there are hundreds of very good comments on the Petition from Neighborhood Council/VANC people and other local residents. (Do a search for change.org Rockin’ Rescue to find this webpage.) 2. On February 2, the City of Los Angeles issued an RFP (Request for Proposals) for a Rescue Organization to run the abandoned South Shelter (now called the Jefferson Park Animal Shelter), which as you know is a project we have been working on for some time. This is an UNBELIEVABLE OPPORTUNITY for a Rescue or consortium of Rescues to use a beautiful multi-million dollar building at practically no cost, and partner with the City in helping to save the lives of dogs, cats, and other animals, while helping people of the City to adopt them and

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learn about animals. The City has done its part, now it is time for a Rescue to step up and do its part. The RFP is here: http://www.labavn.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=contract.opportunity_view&recordid=29344&eml=1 The first 3 pages of the RFP are attached (see pages 8-10 of the attachments.) Please note that there is a Technical Assistance Seminar regarding the RFP scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on February 23, 2017 at the Jefferson Park Animal Shelter, located at 3612 11th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90018, so we have to move quickly on this.

We need to get a Rescue or group of Rescues to submit proposals to run the abandoned South Shelter, or this great opportunity will go to waste. Please tell any Rescues that you are involved with or know of about this opportunity. The Jefferson Park Animal Shelter, if implemented, will save the lives of hundreds of dogs, cats, and other animals each year.

Thank you to: Paul Darrigo for coming up with this idea and working to get it implemented; Jordan Beroukhim, Planning Deputy in the Office of City Council President Herb Wesson for getting this approved and working on the RFP; Deron Williams, Chief of Staff, for his support; City Council President Herb Wesson for making this happen; and Los Angeles Animal Services for their contribution. 3. Oscar the Wonderdog was rescued from the West Valley Animal Shelter on January 29, after being there for more than a year and a half. Oscar was a hero, helping to save the lives of 7 kittens. The story of how Oscar saved the lives of these kittens is attached (pages 11-12) and here: http://tarzananc.org/committees.php?committee_id=25 Pictures of Oscar at the Rescue in Oregon are here: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.doguc?pnref=story 4. Los Angeles Animal Services, along with some of the Neighborhood Council Liaisons, are working to implement No-Kill by the end of the year. But we have a lot more work to do. We need to cut down the number of dogs and cats coming into the shelters through effective spay/neuter programs and get more dogs and cats adopted and rescued. We are working on implementing proposals to do those things. The next Tarzana Neighborhood Council Animal Welfare Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 PM, at Tarzana Child Care Center, 5700 Beckford Ave., Tarzana, CA 91356. If there is anything you would like to include on the Agenda, please get that to me by February 12. You do not have to be a resident of Tarzana to participate in the meeting; everyone is welcome.

SAVE THE LIVES OF DOGS AND CATS IN LOS ANGELES - DON'T SHUT DOWN ROCKIN' RESCUE by Jeffrey Mausner · 5,071 supporters Petition update

WE WON! SOUTH VALLEY AREA PLANNING COMMISSION GRANTED ROCKIN’ RESCUE’S VARIANCES

Jeffrey Mausner Los Angeles, CA

Sign this petition

5,071 supporters

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Jan 27, 2017 — Hi Everyone. Last night, democracy prevailed in Los Angeles. The South Valley Area Planning Commission (SVAPC) unanimously voted to grant the variances necessary for Rockin’ Rescue to continue to operate in its current location at 19855 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, California. This happened in large part because of your support. Over 5,500 people signed petitions in support of Rockin’ Rescue. Many of you left very insightful and persuasive comments, which were submitted to the SVAPC. And last night, approximately 100 Rockin’ Rescue supporters attended the SVAPC meeting to show their support. About 40 of them addressed the SVAPC, providing moving stories of how Rockin’ Rescue helps dogs, cats, and people. There were Volunteers and Employees from the City’s West Valley Animal Shelter, Employees and Volunteers from Rockin’ Rescue, people who adopted their dog or cat from Rockin’ Rescue, Rockin’ Rescue’s neighbors, and good citizens who simply wanted to have such a great rescue in their neighborhood. The manager of the OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) across the street even volunteered his parking lot if the lot at Rockin’ Rescue is ever full. Businesses next door and across the

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street from Rockin’ Rescue submitted letters of support: Upholstery Zone, Excitement, Oak & Poppy, Bank of the West, and Wells Fargo. The Commissioners listened. Thank you to: Commission President Steve Cochran Commission Vice President Lydia Drew Mather Commissioner Rebecca Beatty Commissioner Raymond Bishop. Commissioner Bishop stated the findings of the 5 elements which are necessary to approve a variance. All of the Commissioners voted in favor of the variances. We want to thank the following people, among many others, who helped in this matter: Leonard (Len) Shaffer, President of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council and President of the Board of Neighborhood Commissioners; the entire Tarzana Neighborhood Council. The Woodland Hills Neighborhood Council, its President Joyce Fletcher, and its Secretary Linda Kouy-Ghadosh. The Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council, its President Jill Banks Barad, and its Vice President and Land Use Chair Ron Ziff. Other local Neighborhood Councils. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and his staff: Andrew Pennington, Senior Planning Deputy Svetlana Pravina, Field Deputy John Popoch, Deputy Chief of Staff. Andrew Pennington and the others supported Rockin’ Rescue throughout this process, from the Zoning Administrator hearing to the SVAPC. Andrew spoke in support of Rockin’ Rescue at both hearings. Councilmember Blumenfield has also introduced a resolution for the City Council, so that other Animal Rescues in Los Angeles will not have to go through this ordeal in the future. For those of you who live in Canoga Park, Reseda, Tarzana, Winnetka, and Woodland Hills, please remember that Councilman Blumenfield is up for re-election this year. The primary is on March 7; the general election is on May 16. Please vote; we need people on the City Council, and their dedicated staff, who care about animals and will actually do something to help them. Our new State Senator, Henry Stern, wrote a letter of support for Rockin' Rescue

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which was submitted to the SVAPC. It is good to know that we have a strong supporter of animals in the State Legislature, as well as on the City Council. Newscaster Jane Velez-Mitchell broadcast the entire hearing live. Video from the hearing is on her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/janevelezmitchell The entire hearing is posted in several segments. Thank you to: Winston Stromberg, Shivaun Cooney, Rachel Stauber, Shannon Lankenau, Danny Aleshire, Daniel Green, and Linda Enriquez of the Law Firm of Latham & Watkins, who worked on this matter on a pro bono (free) basis. Brad Rosenheim and Gary Werner of Rosenheim & Associates, who also worked on the appeal on a pro bono basis. Rob Glushon of Luna & Glushon, who also consulted and appeared on a pro bono basis. Beth Chrisman, Certified Forensic Document Examiner. Southwestern Law School students Gloria Ramirez, Jeremy Lishman, and Sara Brown. And of course Ady Gil, Bari Fiore, Fabienne Origer, and everyone at Rockin’ Rescue -- please continue to save the lives of dogs and cats, and provide adoption services to the people of our community. Thank you to my family for their support. Thank you again to all of you who supported Rockin’ Rescue and the homeless dogs and cats of our community; your support really made a difference. I will keep you posted on any further developments; documents in the matter can be found at: http://mausnerlaw.com/save_rockin_rescue Best regards, Jeff

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SAVETHELIVESOFDOGSANDCATSINLOSANGELES‐DON'TSHUTDOWNROCKIN'RESCUE

Jeffrey Mausner Los Angeles, CA

Sign this petition

5,071 supporters

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TO THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES - PLEASE DO NOT CAUSE THE UNNECESSARY DEATHS OF DOGS AND CATS BY SHUTTING DOWN ROCKIN' RESCUE

Rockin’ Rescue is an animal rescue for dogs and cats located in Woodland Hills, California, part of the City of Los Angeles. I know Rockin' Rescue from my work as a Volunteer at the City of Los Angeles West Valley Animal Shelter.

I believe Rockin’ Rescue is the best animal rescue in the area. It is non-profit, and in fact costs the founder, Ady Gil, hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to operate. Rockin’ Rescue has saved the lives of many dogs and cats who were about to be killed in City Shelters, and found them homes. It would be a tragedy if Rockin’ Rescue is shut down. There are generally about 100 to 120 animals at Rockin’ Rescue. If Rockin’ Rescue had to close down, those animals would be brought to city shelters, where many of them could be killed; or other animals would be killed to make room for the animals coming from Rockin’ Rescue. And of course, Rockin’ Rescue would be unable to save the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats in the future. This would be completely counter to the goal of the City of Los Angeles to become a no kill city by 2017.

Rockin’ Rescue has been fighting against being shut down by the City of Los Angeles because of a zoning issue. Rockin’ Rescue is located in a Commercial Zone, rather than a Manufacturing Zone; it has requested a zoning variance from the City, so that it can continue to operate in a Commercial Zone.

Unfortunately, the Zoning Administrator denied the variance requested by Rockin’ Rescue, even though both the Tarzana Neighborhood Council and the Woodland Hills Neighborhood Council unanimously supported granting the variance. City Councilman Bob Blumenfield also supported granting the variance. Nevertheless, the Zoning Administrator denied the variance, even though she specially found as follows:

"There is no dispute that the applicant [Rockin’ Rescue] is providing a valuable and necessary service for the City. The proposed variances were supported by the Woodland Hills NC, Councilmember Blumenfield, the adjacent Tarzana NC, and hundreds of area residents." [Zoning Administrator Decision (ZA Decision) page 8 (emphasis added).]

Concern about the lives and well-being of animals, as well as respecting the will of the people and their elected representatives, didn’t seem to count for much at that stage of the proceedings. The only thing the Zoning Administrator cared about

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was that Rockin' Rescue is located in a Commercial Zone rather than a Manufacturing Zone. But a Manufacturing Zone is hardly a good place for an animal rescue.

The Zoning Administrator didn’t think it mattered that hundreds of area residents supported Rockin’ Rescue -- let’s get thousands of signatures worldwide.

Documents regarding this matter can be found at the following webpage: http://mausnerlaw.com/save_rockin_rescue

Please join in asking the City of Los Angeles to SAVE THE LIVES OF DOGS AND CATS BY KEEPING ROCKIN’ RESCUE OPEN. DON’T SHUT DOWN ROCKIN’ RESCUE. Please sign this petition.

Sincerely, Jeffrey Mausner

This petition will be delivered to:

The City of Los Angeles

Jeffrey Mausner started this petition with a single signature, and now has 5,071 supporters. Start a petition today to change something you care about.

Updates

1. 4 days ago

5,000 supporters

© 2017, Change.org, Inc. Certified B Corporation

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

To Provide Programs and Services at the Jefferson Park Animal Shelter

For the

CITY OF LOS ANGELES

Issued By

CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES

February 2, 2017

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Programs and Services at the Jefferson Park Animal Shelter

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

DATE ISSUED: February 2, 2017 TITLE: To Provide Programs and Services at the

Jefferson Park Animal Shelter DESCRIPTION: The City of Los Angeles (“City”) is seeking

proposals from experienced animal welfare organizations interested in providing programs and services at the Animal Shelter.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS: Proposals must be received at the address

shown below by Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time).

PROPOSAL DELIVERY ADDRESS: Office of the City Administrative Officer

200 N. Main Street, Room 1500 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Attention: Bernyce Hollins QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RFP PROCESS: Submit in writing via email to

cao.RFPresponse@lacity.org no later than 12:00 p.m. (PST), Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Responses to questions will be published on BAVN by Thursday, March 9, 2017.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: All potential proposers are strongly

encouraged to attend the Technical Assistance Seminar scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on February 23, 2017 at the Jefferson Park Animal Shelter, located at 3612 11th Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90018.

Bonus points will be given to those in

attendance (refer to page 19).

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Programs and Services at the Jefferson Park Animal Shelter

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction 4

II. About the Department of Animal Services 4

III. Objectives of the Request for Proposals 6

IV. Statement of Work 8

V. Management, Organization, and Responsibilities 8

VI. Requirements for Submitting Proposals 11

VII. Contents of Submitted Proposals 13

VIII. Prohibition of Communication During RFP Evaluation Period 18

IX. Review, Evaluation, and Award…………………………………… 19

X. Exhibits……………………………………………………………… 20

A. Trap Neuter Return Injunction B. Compliance Documents C. Instructions to BAVN D. Standard Provisions for City Contracts

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Animal WelfareFeatured Shelter Animals | Lost & Found Animals | Trainers Who Make a Difference

UPDATE ON OSCAR THE WONDERDOG -- OSCAR WAS RESCUED

Oscar was rescued by A Rough Start Rescue on January 29, 2017, after being in the Shelter for a year and a half. Despite his long confinement there, he remained a wonderful, friendly, fun dog. We wish him all the best.

THE ADVENTURES OF OSCAR THE WONDERDOG -- SAGA OF THE LUCKY 7

Do dogs have a special sense for other animals who need help? And are dogs able to communicate this to theirhuman companions?

On August 4th, seven 6 week old kittens were abandoned at a remote corner of the back parking lot of the West ValleyAnimal Shelter. The kittens were left in a filthy cat carrier, covered by a shirt. It was well over 90 degrees that day. The kittens certainly wouldn’t have lasted long under those conditions. Why would anyone dump the kittens there,rather than simply bringing them into the Shelter?

Luckily, Volunteer Cathy was walking Oscar, an 8 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, on that day. Because it was sohot, Cathy took Oscar into the back exercise yard at the Shelter, rather than taking him for a walk around the block. Oscar seemed to sense that something wasn’t right. Cathy picked up on Oscar’s concern, and soon focused herattention on the cat carrier that was behind a fence, all the way across the parking lot. There were no sounds comingfrom the carrier, and it was many yards away, but for some reason Oscar and Cathy’s attention was drawn to it. Theywent to investigate, and to their surprise, found 7 kittens in the carrier, with no food or water. Cathy initially thoughtthey were dead because the smell was so bad. The kittens were covered in feces and had fleas. When they moved,

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she realized they were alive, but absolutely starving and thirsty.

After a medical check-up, the kittens were immediately given water and food, and bathed. They were angels duringtheir baths, despite being scared; a couple cried once. After they were all fed and cleaned, they quickly fell asleep.

The kittens became known as THE LUCKY 7, because of their miraculous discovery. All of the kittens have beentemporarily fostered. But in a few weeks they will be available for adoption.

And what about Oscar, who was so instrumental in saving the lives of these seven kittens? He just takes it in stride. It’s just another day in the life of OSCAR THE WONDERDOG. He simply wants a permanent home, so he can give afamily the same kind of caring and love. Oscar has been at the Shelter for over a year now, since July 22, 2015. As itturned out, there was a reason he was at the Shelter all this time, so he could help save the lives of these 7 kittens. But now it’s Oscar’s time. This hero deserves a loving home. Let’s go all out to get Oscar the home he deserves.

Oscar, A1526691. 8 year old neutered male, black and white Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Posted by: Jeffrey Mausner, Chair, Tarzana Neighborhood Council Animal Welfare Committee

SAVE A DOG’S LIFE OVER THE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY

Dogs are very fearful of fireworks. Please make sure that your dog is secure during the 4th of July period, as dogsoften run away when they hear loud noises like fireworks. Please check your yard to make sure there is no way foryour dog to get away. And on the evening of the 4th, if you are out at a fireworks display, it is best to keep your dog inthe house so there is no chance of it running away. The same is true of cats and other animals.

Los Angeles City Animal Shelters receive a large temporary influx of dogs (and to a lesser extent cats) over the 4th ofJuly period. This influx starts in late June, when people start setting off fireworks. Citizens who find run-away dogs,as well as City Animal Control Officers who catch them, bring them into the Shelters to care for them. Most of theseanimals are redeemed by their owners within several weeks. But while they are at the Shelter, they occupy a kennel,which can cause overcrowding at the Shelters. In the past, if the Shelter became overcrowded, dogs would be killedto make room for these new dogs coming in.

We are implementing a “Temporary Animal Foster Parent Program” at the West Valley Shelter, to prevent the killing ofany healthy adoptable dogs over the 4th of July period for lack of space. Members of the public will be able to foster adog (or cat) in their homes for several weeks during the 4th of July period if kennel space is needed.

If you are interested in becoming a Temporary Animal Foster Parent Volunteer, please fill out the application which canbe found at: http://tarzananc.org/docs/1307-1082.pdf. Send your completed application, along with a copy of yourdriver's license, to Sergio.Rios@lacity.org. If your application is approved by the Los Angeles Animal ServicesDepartment, you will be placed on a list and will receive an email from the Shelter if there is a need for temporaryfosters. If you foster a dog and it ends up that you want to keep the dog permanently, you can go through the adoptionprocess. Otherwise, the dog will be returned to the Shelter.

If you have any questions, you can contact the Tarzana Neighborhood Council Animal Welfare Committee at:Jeff@Mausnerlaw.com or use the contact form at: http://tarzananc.org/contact.php?admin_login_id=78

Posted by: Jeffrey Mausner, Chair, Tarzana Neighborhood Council Animal Welfare Committee

THE RESCUE OF JAXZ

By Jeffrey Mausner, Chairperson, Tarzana Neighborhood Council Animal Welfare Committee(Deanna Dylan Scott, Co-Chair).

Growing up in an animal shelter is a fate confronting more and more dogs. There are just too many unwanted dogs in LosAngeles, because of failure of owners to spay and neuter their pets, and unlicensed breeders. The Los Angeles City Shelters aredoing the best they can to keep dogs alive for as long as possible in the hope that they will be adopted or rescued, before they haveto be euthanized. But with not enough people to adopt, and the resulting overcrowdinrowing up in an animal shelter is a fateconfronting more and more dogs. There are just too many unwanted dogs in Los Angeles, because of failure of owners to spay andneuter their pets, and unlicensed breeders. The Los Angeles City Shelters are doing the best they can to keep dogs alive for as longas possible in the hope that they will be adopted or rescued, before they have to be euthanized. But with not enough people toadopt, and the resulting overcrowding in the shelters, these dogs are constrained in small kennels, surrounded by the constantbarking of the dozens of other abandoned and stray dogs. This was the case for Jaxz, a Labrador/American Staffordshire mix.g inthe shelters, these dogs are constrained in small kennels, surrounded by the constant barking of the dozens of other abandoned andstray dogs. This was the case for Jaxz, a Labrador/American Staffordshire mix.

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